Park officials: Wylie campgrounds need expansion

July 22, 2008

By Jackie Burke Grumish, reporter Wylie Park Campgrounds needs to be expanded, at least that's what parks and rec officials think. Doug Johnson, Parks, Recreation and Forestry director, and various parks board members met with the City Council Monday in a work session to discuss the city's options for expanding the campgrounds. The $4.5 million proposal comes after many years of operating at full capacity. Many of the summer weekends fill the first day the public is able to reserve the sites, Johnson said. In 2006, 1,492 requests were unable to be accommodated; In 2007, 1,383; and 624 requests have been denied through July 15, 2008. There are 92 recreational vehicles and tent sites at Wylie Park Campground. There are seven cabins. Of those sites, the parks and rec department does not take reservations for 20 recreational vehicles sites and four tent sites. If approved, the proposed plan, which includes 106 RV sites, 33 updated cabins and "The Great Lawn," will be built northwest of Storybook Land. According to the master plan, an additional $262,198 could be expected annually if the expansion is built. Since 2004, the city has averaged a revenue of $83,675 from campground reservations. If the council decides to move forward with the expansion, there are five options to choose from, Johnson said. Option 1: Southeast section with 20 back-in, zero pull through, 11 cabins and one shower house for $1.67 million. Option 2: Southwest section with 14 back-in, nine pull through, 22 cabins, one shower house and a tent area for $1.84. Option 3: Southeast and southwest sections at a reduced level of finish for $2.22 million Option 4: All areas at a reduced level of finish include 76 back-in, 30 pull through, one shower house, 33 cabins and a tent area for $3.29 million. Option 5: All areas complete for $4.58 million. The reduced level of finish includes gravel roads and unfinished sidewalks, Johnson said. All options would require bond funding, Johnson said, but a combination of money the department has been saving to help pay for the expansion and extra revenue generated by the campgrounds would allow the parks and rec department to pay back the bonds and still make a small profit. Moving ahead with options 3, 4 and 5 would lose money, he said.